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Mr. Neville Blyth's Bill has at length struggled into the light of day divested of privilege questions and other mysteries. Whatever other fault may be discovered in it. it is not a lonz Bill nor so

difficult to understand as we might have expected from the discussions which have ushered it into existence. The preamble specifies the Acts umfer which doubtful leases have been issued, namely— No. 5 of 1857, the Mineral Leases Act of 186% and ditto of 1867. The first clause enumerates the points on which doubts have arisen — (I) the maximum area that may be held by one lessee; (2) neglect to offer the lands for sale by public auction previous to leasing; (3) non-existence of regulations; and (4) generally any. errors or defects of procedure. In consideration of the close scrutiny which the public may feel disposed to bestow upon it, we extract this principal clause. It is as follows:—'!. Every lease of the waste lands of the Crown for mineral purposes granted by the Governor after the said Act, No. 5 of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven came into operation, and before the repeal of the thirteenth clause thereof, for no more than eighty acres; and every lease granted as aforesaid after the 'Mineral Leases Act, 1862,' came into operation, and before the repeal thereof, for no more than three hundred and twenty acres; and every lease heretofore granted -as aforesaid since the 'Mineral Leases Act, 1867,' came into operation, for no more than six hundred and fotty acres, shall be. and be deemed to have been from the granting hereof valid and effectual as a demise of the said lands for mineral purposes under the said Acts iespec tively, although, the lessee or lessees, or one or more of such lessees, to whom such lease may have been granted may have had granted to him, her, or them, before such lease was made, or con temporaneously therewith, any other lease or leases for mineral purposes ; and although the said lessee or lessees, or one or more of such lessee*, may at the time of the granting of such lease have been the lessee or lessees of waste lands of the Crown under original lease or leases from the Governor, or under any assignment or assignments of any lease or leases from the Governor, or partly as original lessee and partly as assignee, of a larger number than eighty acres, or three hundred and twenty acres, or six hundred and fotty acres re spectively ; and although the said lease, or the lands comprised therein, may not, before the making thereof, have been offered for sale by public auction in fee simple, or for any le-s estal

or interest; and although co regulations ftr re sumption or otherwise may have licen made Ufi.re the said lease was granted; and nolwitlislah.lmj; any error or defect in any proceeding which, by the said Acts respectively, or by any regulations made under lh« said Acts, or any or either of them, la required or directed to be done; and notwith standing any omission to comply with any pro vision in the said Acts, or either of them, or with any regulation requiring or directing any Act to be done as a preliminary to the grant of such lease: Provided that this Act shall not prejudice or affect any action, suit, or proceeding now depending in any Court of the said province or elsewhere.' The second and last clause declares that the term ' Waste Lands of the Crown,' as occurring in the above-recited Acts, shall 'be deemed to have in cluded any lands which, at the time of the grant of any such lease for mineral purposes, shall have been leased for pastoral purposes.'

The English Mail.— The English mail to )ctober 9 will be due at Glenelg on Monday. The Botal Family— To-day is the 23th anni ersury of the birch ef H.R.H. Victoria Adelaide lary Louisa, Princess Eoyal of England. It is lsothe anniversary of the departure of HJLH. he Duke of Edinburgh from South Australia. Coobt of Kevisiox, Escodntkb Bat.— A Court if Revision for the District of Encounter Hay was leld at the Court-House, Port Elliot, before Mr lindmarsh, J.P., Revising Barrister, and Mr. 8. ?. Laurie, S.M., Returning Officer, on Saturday, fovembei 14. Four names were taken off the ?oils and a few alterations were made, leaving 673 m the roll for the Legislative Council, and 1.079 or the House of Assembly. Gold Prospectixg Parties.— It will be seen [rom our Barossa Gold-field's letter that active iteps are now being taken by the storekeepers and jthers at Yalta to send out prospecting parties to search for gold in hitherto untried gullies, so as to ?xtend' the workings and open up new ground, rhis is a step in the right direction. Mount kufus (Jold.— The gold found on Messrs. Shannon's run. Mount Bufus, turns out to be of very high standard. The small parcel for* warded by the English. Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank to Melbourne for assay reached 23-14. The Port Trad?.— The last train from the Port Dn Friday evening had a breakdown on its way to town, which occasioned a delay of an hour and a jjnarter, it not reaching the Adelaide Terminus until nearly 11 o'clock. A pipe connected with the engine broke just before arriving at Bowden, and shortly after leaving that station the train came to a standstill, and another engine had to be sent for to town. Several of the passengers walked up from Bowden, the train remaining there an hour before it was possible to proceed. H.B.H. the Dues of Edinbuugh. — We are glad to learn that Mr. George Robertson expects to receive, perhaps bj the next mail from England, copies of 'The Cruise of H.M.S. Galatea in 1S67-8.' It is to be edited by the Bev. John Milner, F.B.G.S., the chaplain of the vessel, and illustrated with numerous chromo-lithographs and graphotypes from, sketches by Mr. Brierly. The work is to be in one volume, and the price is not to exceed 16s. There will no doubt be a large de mand for the work.— Argia. Gawlkr Wabd Election.— We understand that an influential deputation waited on Mr. M. Saloon, J.P., on Friday, requesting him to stand as a candidate for Uawler Ward, but that he felt coin pelled to decline accepting the proffered honour in consequence of his time being fully occupied with his private business arrangements. Air. Salom intimated that at some future time he should esteem it an honour and a duty to serve the citizens. We believe Mr. W. W. Blyth will also be presented with a reauisition to stand for the

above ward, and it is hoped that this gentleman will accept the invitation. SvmiMiSG Matches.— The opening swimming matches of the South Australian Club take place to-day under the patronace of the Acting Governor, who has promised to be pr- sent. There is a capital programme of 11 matches to come ofU and it is expected there will be some smart competition and excellent sport Schroder's Band will be in attendance. The quarter and half mile swimming matches at Port Adelaide also take place to-day. We are glad to see encouragement given to so useful and healthful an exercise as swimming. Supreme Court. — The Court was occupied during a considerable portion of Friday in hearing an application by Mr. Thrupp for new trial) in the cases of Saville and several other plaintiffs v. Clarke. Mount Gambier cases, the evidence in which we published in a condensed form in the Register of Monday, November 2. The actions were to recover compensation for damages sus tained by the plaintiff* from a fire which, according to their case, was lighted by the defen dant's overseer on Mount Schanck sheep station. The witnesses for the defence gave evidence of having seen another fire, and that the one they lighted was only to save the homestead, and never got out of their power. The Jury, however, found in favour of the plaintiffs, and the Court also expressed their approval of the finding; but granted a rule nisi for a new trial to enable the defendant's counsel to have the matter fully argued. A rule nisi was also granted for a near trial in Livingstone v. Sutherland. The case of the appeal of the Yelta Mining Company against the Police Assessment was aigued before the Court, and judgment reserved. The Court will sit this morning— Last Day of Term. Adelaide Local Court (Criminal).— On Fri day, November 2'), there were three female prisoners for tri »L The first, charged with stealing a piece of mohair dress, value £1 ISs., from a shop door, was sentenced to imprisonment with hatd labour for one calendar month; the second, charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 2b. 6*L, in a shop, was sentenced to imprisonment for one calendar month; and the third, charged with stealing a brooch, value £2 17*. 6d., was sen tenced to imprisonment with hard labour for one calendar month. Adelaide Police Court.— On Friday, No vember 20, a vendor of vegetables, charged with drunkenness, riotous conduct, and a violent assault upon his wife, was fined 10a, and ordered to find sureties for his good behaviour, or in default to be imprisoned for one calendar month. In a case of grosB indecency two fines of £5 each were inflicted. A young man charged as a lunatic was removed for medical examination. A defendant was charged with supplying liquor to an intoxicated person; but the information was dismissed on technical grounds. Three defendants, charged with the use of insulting and provocative language, had to pay fines and costs, making Itis. 8d. each. Jfcur in formations under the Width of Tiies Act severally resulted in fines and costs, making an aggregate of £3 Us. Two fines of 10s. each and two of 5s. each were inflicted hi cases of drunkenness or other offences. Blight in Feoit-Trkes.— The fruit-trees near Geelong are suffering from a blight, which has done great havoc in the district The blight is black, but turns red when pressed between the fingers. Death of a Patriarch. — The death of a rosella parrot is reported from Sydney at the ex traordinary age of 22 years. It was taken from the nest, and had been cased for the whole of the

Jenou mentioned. Sporting.— The Ballarat Courier states that 1 well known Melbourne woolbroker netted £14,000 by the success of Glencoe in the race for the Melbourne Cup. Bromfton Yotjkg Mkk*s Association.— On Friday evening, November 20, a lecture in aid of the funds of the above Society was given at the Wesleyan Chapel, Brompton, by the Kev. G. W. PatchelL Mr. F. W. Thomas occupied the chair, and in appropriate terms introduced the rev. lecturer, who proceeded to give his arguments in support of the theory of ''The Earth's Perpetual Existence and Future Glory.' He contended that the earth would be changed by fire, but not annihilated. The nature and extent of the change was dwelt upon, the lecturer comparing the different passages of Scripture which bore on the subject, urging that the whole face of the earth would be altered, expressing his belief that the earth in its renewed state would be the future abode of blessed spirits, that to accommodate them there would be no sea, and that the whole of the mountains, plains, and forests would be made habitable. The inhabitants would not beconfined to this world, but would have liberty to visit other worlds in the universe,, still recognising this sphere as their own perpetual mansion. The state of happiness, he thought, would last for ever, and as to when it would commence it was likely that the opinion of the Jews would be correct— that 7,000 years would elapse between the creation of man and the great conflagration. The lecturer con cluded by making a moral application of the argu ments he had used. A collection and the usual votes of thanks closed an interesting and instructive

meeting. Cricket.— On Saturday, November 14th a cricket match was played between the Collegiate Junior and Mr. Caterer's Senior, on the College grounds. The College won the toss, and sent their opponents to the wickets. In the first innings Mr. Caterer's made 74, to which F. Hughes contributed 15, A. Gill 8, J. Davis 12. A. Gordon (not out) 11, and D. Wells 7. In the second innings the total was 118. F. McNichol making 19, F. Jackson 8, .1. Davis 12, Braddoch (captain— not out) 3, S. Gooden 15, A. Gooden 20, and D. Wells 11. Total both innings, 192. 'ihe College in the first innings scored 105, U- Dale making 23, S. Tyzack 13, W. Haigh 15, T. Sandland 1«, and G. Polhill 17. In the second the score was 90. H. Dale contributing 11, S. Tyzick 19, W. Haigh (not out) 9, W. Walker 12, E. Polhill 11, and E. Twopeny (captain) 11. Total, 195. thus winning the match by tliree, with three wickets to fall. Hohsk Stusg to Death by Boa.— The Wagga Wagga Adrerttier state* that 'A horse was tied up at Mr*. Andrew's, Farmers' Arms Home Hotel, in the vicinity of a beehive. The bees, which were in a great state of excitement, probably con templating a swarm, fastened upon the unfortunate creature, and commenced stinging it most fright fully in every direction. The poor animal seemed peifectly bewildered at the attack of its stranee aisailanw, and lay down to it All efforts to drive off the furious insects proved futile, and the un fortunate horse was literally stung to death. The bees are described u having been in a most frantic state of rage. Kinging everything they came across —pigs, doga, and even fowls. At one time matters looked so serious that people about the place bad to rush into the home and shut the doors and window! (0 save themselves.'

The Late Mr. F. H. FAULDING - Our obituary notice of Friday, November 20. contained the name of an old and respected colonist, Mr. F. H. Faulding, who died the previous day at his resi dence, Wooton Lea, near Glen Osmond. Mr. Faulding came from the town of Goole, on the Humber, in the County of Yorkshire, where his father carried on his profession of surgeon. About 23 years ago Mr. Faulding left England for Sydney as surgeon of an emigrant vessel. Not long after his arrival in Sydney he sailed for this city in the brig Dorset, arriving in Adelaide about the year 1842. In 1845 he commenced business as chemist and druggist at a spot closely adjacent to the premises in which he carried on his business in late years. In 1857 he visited England. Through Mrs. Faulding's health failing, his stay was shortened considerably, and he returned to this colony in 1839, with the intention of revisiting Europe at a subsequent period. On the 16th December 1861, he was returned to the City Corporation as Councillor for Hindmarsh Ward, the Municipal elections of that year being more than usually interesting and exciting on account of their betas the first under the existing system, he also became a Trustee of the Savings Bank. His health, which had never been very vigorous, began to give way, and to escape from the cares of public appointments, and to recruit his strength, as well as to fulfil his original intention, he, with Mrs. Faulding. went again to Europe in 1863. Naples, Sicily, and Rome were visited, in which last city Mr. Faulding was taken alarmingly ill. Getting better, they repaired to England, which they finally left in 1865 in the Great Britain for Melbourne, and proceeded from the latter city to Adelaide, where they arrived on December 31. The following day, which was exceedingly warm, Mr. Faulding was seized with a paralytic stroke. His health, which had been declining for a considerable tune previously, now gave way entirely, the long and lingering illness which succeeded resulting in death. For some time past it was evident that be could not recover, though his mental powers remained unimpaired to the last, Since his return from his last visit to England he was chosen a Director of the Bank of Adelaide. Six or seven years ago he built a beantiful mansion near Glen Osmond.

named by him Wooten Lea, and here he endured the painful illness the melancholy issue of which will be regretted not only by the friends of the deceased, but also by numerous persons in needy circumstances whom he has unostentatiously befriended, Mr. Faulding was attended by Dr. Moore, who latterly, however, could do little beyond alleviating pain. He was a consistent and liberal member of the Wesleyan denomination, and his long and useful career in this colony has been marked with numberless acts of private benevol ence. He leaves a widow, but no family. His father died in England recently at an advanced age. Amongst his surviving relatives are a brother, who is engaged in business in London, and a sister, Mrs. T. G. Waterhouse, who, it will be remembered, left this colony for England with her husband a few months ago. The funeral will take place this afternoon, the pro cession starting at 3 o'clock for the West-terrace Cemetery. Gawlkr Ward.— On Friday evening, November 20, a meeting of the ratepayers of Gawler Ward wss held at the Blenheim Hotel, Hindley-street, to take into consideration the representation in the City Council for the ensuhig year. Mr. Luke Murphy, the retiring Councillor, was called to the chair; and in opening the meeting be remarked that he thought the senior Councillor should always preside at these proceedings. Mr. Henry Coulter proposed Mr. S. Raphael to represent them. Seconded by Mr. J. Lyons. Mr. Pape moved, as an amendment, that Mr. W. A. Cawthorne was a more fit person to represent 'them, and Mr. M. Stapleton seconded. Air. S.

Raphael, on being called upon, stated that it was not the first time he had appeared before them in tbat position; and if he was again returned be would do his duty for the ward and the city. It was a Berious matter for a person to go into the Council; for he would have to devote his time and attention to the business of the city, as there would be alwrys a large amount to be expended, aud he would tee that it was properly expended. He would do his best, if returned, for his own benefit, and for that of the electors. Mr. Cawthorne said he quite agreed with some of the remarks made by the previous speaker. The citizens were £15,000 in debt, upon which they were paying an interest of £1,200 a year. The interest alone absorbed one-eighth of the rates, or nearly 1 Jd. out of every shilling. He had a scheme to liquidate this debt, which was that the Corporation should obtain the necessary power from the Parliament to issue £1 notes bearing 5 per csnt. interest, and which Bhould circulate among the citizens, and that any person tendering these notes six months after the date of issue should receive 6d. in the pound. Mr. Kaphael, upon being called upon to give his views on the financial position of the Council, remarked that such a system as issuing £1 notes by the Council was fraught with danger. With regard to what the last speaker had said about the debt of the city, he would observe that they were owing more than £15,00i-. The city had been brought into debt by Mr. Townseu-L When that gentleman left the Council the city was in debt to the amount of £19.000; but he would say to the honour and credit of the present Council that that debt had been reduced to £14,500; and if the business of the Council were to be conducted in the same manner for a few years longer they would be entirely out of debt. Mr. Pape asked the candidates whether they would, if elected, reduce the salaries of tbe Corporation officers, and add Is. a day to that of the labourers. Mr. Caw thorne, in reply, said this was a question which required some consideration. He would not Ite a party to over-paying the officers, aud would have no objection to raise tbe labourers1 wages 2s. Cd. a day. (Cries of 'That won't wash,' and 'No soft soap.') Mr. Kaph&el said this was not a fair question to put. The matter must be brought before the Council and taken into consideration. If elected, he should do justice to the labourers as well as the officers ol the Corporation. Mr. Coulter wished to know whether the candidates would amend the law relating to the impounding of cattle, so that a person should not have to pay poundage fees, anil then be brought before Mr. Beiidome and have to pay a second fine. The candidates replied in the affirmative. The Chairman then put the names ol the candidates, when the proposition in favour ol Mr. Raphael was carried unanimously, and that ol Mr. Cawthorne was lost. The meeting then con fiidered the Mayoralty, and Mr. P. B.Coglin was proposed by Mr. Lyons, and seconded by Mr, Coulter. Mr. Cox proposed Mr. H. B. Fuller seconded by Mr. Pape. Mr. Coglin said that then was to be a large meeting in the Town Hall nexi week, and if a requisition was sent to him request ing him to stand he would there expound hi views. Votes of thanks to the Chairman and thi Press closed a most orderly meeting. Kensington and Norwood Municipal Elm tions.— An election meeting was held at the Ken Town Hotel on Friday evening, to take into con sideration the elections for the Mayoralty 0 Kensington and Norwood and the Councillorshi; of Kent Ward for the ensuing year, only on Councillor being needed. Mr. Hales occupied th chair, and there was a small attendance of rate payers. Ex-Councillor Nienaber proposed, aa Mr. Thomas seconded, Mr. Mattingly, as a tit am proper person to represent Kent Ward. Mr. Mot tingly addressed the meeting, and rendered an ac count of what he had done during his term of office No one else being proposed, the motion was Dut t

Mr. J. Mullins s b.g. Lightfoot, aged, ro these may be added the weights for the Upper Wakefield Traces, which were also declared on Friday :— Wakefield Plate. -Crusader. 9st; Darkie, 8 at. lOlbs.; Stag. fct. it) lbs.; Bolero.8st.; Frank. 7st. 12 lbs. ; Corsair, 7 st. 12 1 bs. ; Fluke. 6 st. 2 lbs. Auburn Handicap.— Stag, 9 St.; Darkie, 9 St.; Bolero. 8 st. 4 lbs.: Corsair. 8 st21be.; Mickey Free. 7 st. 10 lbs. ; Centurion, 6 st 5 lbs. ; Fluke, 8 st. 2 lbs. Tenders.— The following tenders have been accepted at the Ergineer-in- Chiefs office during the past wetk:-For supplying 3,000 posts at Gawler Station, and 2.000 at Adelaide Station— Mr. Edward league's tender for delivering 2.000 at Adelaide Station, at £7 43. 6d. per 10G, was accepted; and Mr. ffm. Sutherland's tender for delivering 3,(00 at Uiwler Station, at £9 9s. per 1C0, was accepted. For erection of a Passenger Station at Pinkerton Plains, on the Roseworthy and Forresters Railway-No. 1, W'm. Nicholson. £J,075, accepted; So. 2, F. Reynolds, £1,254 18s. 7d. Man Missing.— On Friday morning informa tion was given to the police at the Port that the mate of the schooner Lucy had been missing since the previous evening. A man's cap having been fouDd in the water it was supposed he had fallen overboard. The drags were put into requisition for some time without avail, and it was aiterwards ascertained that the man had been in company with some seamen belonging to the Verulam over night, and it was thought probable he had gone on board that vessel; but as the ship had proceeded that morning to the Lightship, the police had not the opportunity to enquire on board. The cap found in the water wu stated to have belonged to one of the Verubun'i crew, by whom it wai lost.

Acs tBALiAK Coal D£P03na.-The sixth of the spnng scries of lectures in connection with the South Australian lustitute was delivered in the Reading-room on Friday evening, November 20. by the Rev. J. E. T. Woods, on ' Australian Cool Deposits.' There was a moderate attendance; Dr. Wyatt, one of the Governors, occupying the chair. Mr. Woods, in commencing his lecture, remarked that special reference was not made to South Australia, but to the whole continent. Coal was fossil vegetable matter; the term 'fossil' not being used in the popular acceptation that it related to organic matter changed by lapse of time into ? stone, but in the sense of show ing a change with the organic substance remaining. The quality and variety of coal depended upon its stages of mineralization The generally-accepted theory of coal deposits now was that originally there were immense swamps or morasses containing a vast quantity of vegetable substances, which in the course of ages became fossilized. The theory o{ the nature and peculiarities of coal deposits was touched upon, after which Australia as a coal-producing country became the theme of the lecturer, this portion of the subject being divided into four parts, viz, the coal de posits of New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Hitherto only the coal deposits of New South Wales had been profitably worked. To explain Uw reason of the coal fields of New South Wiles being so much more extensive than other parts of ths continent as had been hitherto inspected, the geological formation of the eastern coast from Cape Howe, the south-eastern extremity, up to Rockhampton was described. Sandstone strata were the prevailing feature, and he believed they belonged to one period, which might be termed that of Australian carboniferous deposits, Hits sandstqnp frequently bearing plant impressions. Volcanic disturbances had so broken up and dis placed the coal-beds of Tasmania that none of them had hitherto been profitably worked. In Victoria coal hul been found in three places-in Gipps Land, in Western Victoria, nearGeelonp, and on the banks of the Wannon. but in neither if those places had it been profitably worked, the beda being smail and irregular. In Western Aus tralia coal had been found at the Arrowsmith River, about :W0 miles north of Perth, and at the Fitzgerald River, which was considerably tothe east ward of Kina Ueorse's Sound. Onlvin two other

tfiutcsui Australia uaurtui neen tnscoviTeu - uiuape Dtway and on the southern coast. After discussing the question of the age of the coal deposits of these colonies, Mr. Woods touched upon the pro bability of coal being found in South Australia. tie remarked that too little was known of the ecological peculiarities of the various districts of the colony to predict the presence of coal, but his knowledge on this point was Butncient for him to state that if coal were found here it would probably not be in larae d'.posits, although it would pro bably be found very little disturbod, and compara tively free from the dislocation and disineuiU;ruie:.t which so materially aiTected the profitableness of the coal-fields in New South Wales and Tasmania. He recommended the Government of this colony, which was so pre-eminently a nunenil-produciiV one, to devote a reasonable sum for the purpose of searching for coal, and settling the question as t-- whether it existed here or not. A hearty vote of thanks having been accorded to the Rev. Mr. Woods for his highly instructive and interesting lecture, the proceedings closed by the Chairman announcing that the next lecture would be delivered a fonnight Hence by the Sev. Mr. Woods, on ' The Extinct Animals of Australia.' Uawleb River Branch Bible Sooiett.— The Secretary of the above Branch (Mr. E. 8. Grigy) sends us the subjoined report for publication:—' 'A meeting of the Committee of the Gawler River Branch Bible Society was held in the Two Wells Primitive Methodist Chapel on Monday, November 9, when the following resolutions were passed:— '1st. That in the opinion of this Com mittee the appointment and supervision of agents when required should be vested in the Auxiliaries of the various colonies.' '2nd. That this Com mittee are of opinion that the expenses of tbe South Australian Auxiliary are out of all proportion to its income; and as the Committee of the Auxiliary refuses to make the least reduction in its

expenses, tuts u-nimittee aeetn it desirable to tonu a separate Society to communicate direct with the Parent Society.' In support of the position taktn by the Branch it was stated that in 18r3 the income of the Auxiliary was £1.751 15*. 3d., wbiU the expenses were £ltil 2s. lid. ; whereas last year the income was only £60 in advance, and, the expenses had doubled, being £328 (li. It was also stated that all remonstrance had failed in inducing the Adelaide Committee to exercise the economy so necessary after the failure of the last harvest, though no stronger reason could be supplied for curtailing all unnecessary expense, J t was felt that for benevoleU institutions to com mand the support of the public the strictest economy was requisite. This policy has always been kept in view by this Branch, as since its for mation the leceipts have been £205, whilst the expenses have been £1 3s. The Committee are determined that for the future all moneys shall he devoted to the purpose for which they are collected, and with this object in view they have resolved to forward the funds collected (with so much toil and self denial) direct to the Parent Society.' The Potosl— The following was accidentally omitted from yesterday's issue:— 'The Directors of the Potoei Silver Mining Company having re quested Mr. RaUVy to vkit their property, have received from him the annexed report :-'To the Directors of the Fotosi Silver Mining Company.— Gentlemen— I have made a rough examination of vour working now going on at the i'otosi Silver Mine, and find the character of the ore to k argentiferous bearing. Not having the proper ap pliances at my command, I could not ascertain tbe true value of the ore per ton. The lode that is now being worked, or opened by a tunnel following the lode into the hill, shows a lode of about 3i feet in width, well defined on the eastern side. The ore seems to improve as it goes in the hilL From the position of the mine, with the surrounding liillv country, with a good supply of water for all amal gamating purposes, the ore can be worked with a profit if it yields 5 ozs. to the ton. From the ap pearance of the lodes that run throuph the pro perty, I should think it well worth further outlay in opening aud developing the mine to prove the value of the property of this Company.— I remain. Gentlemen, youts truly, J, Kailky.— Adelaide, November 18. 1868.' ' Pabbara Minino Company.— A meeting of the Parrara Company was held at the Arbitration Room on Friday, November; 20; Mr. W. Wadham in the chair. About 20 shareholders were present. The Comnanv's solicitor. Mr. Bruce, attended.

ana read the articles of association, which, with a few alterations, were agreed to. The other business was the election of Directors, who were appointed as follows -.-Messrs, Wadham, C. H. T. Connor, Hon. W. Morgan, E. T. Smith, and F. J. Botting. The Esuebalda.— The Directors of the £s meralda Mining . Company paid their visit of inspection to their property 'on Wednesday, 18th. They find that the new lode discovered by Captain Albrecht has been opened by a drive to the extent of 60 feet; and ib traced up the hill towards the Almanda Company's works to an extent of 500 yards. The lode is from 13 inches to two feet wide, and is of the same nature as the Almanda lodes. The Directors are of opinion that the prospects of the mine are very favourable, and that if they hold out they will be induced to erect the necessary machinery for tbe full development of the property. Pbaibib Grass.— Mr. Thomas Williams, ths Manager of the Moorak Estate, has kindly left at our office (Mount Qambter Standard), lot the inspection of persons interested, a sample of giant prairie grass, grown at Moorak, whichlhas attained the height of eight feet. It was taken from an old grass bed in the garden which had been in use for four years. From this single specimen we may realize to some extent the description Fennimore Cooper gives of the American prairies. The Albdbt Vineyard. — Mr. Fallon, who has achieved such a reputation with his Murray Valley wines, is increasing his vineyard from 3J to SO acres. The hmd is being trenched by two ploughs, drawn by 24 bullockB each. The depth of the trenching ia from 18 inches to two feet. Grasshoppers.— A correspondent at Port Wake field, under date Nov. 16, says:— 'I have more than once seen in your columns a reference to the grasshoppers in the Northern Districts, but never thought, the subject to be of much importance Until within the last week, when I confess I felt some alarm for the safety ol the crops. The air has been filled with these insects almost as thick as the flying ants before rain; but instead of 8warmin? like the ants, they seem to keep, up a progressive movement, mainly from east to west, and the ground is completely infested. In size they are about one to one and a half inches in length, the generality being of a yellowish colour, and very strong in flight. I observed numerous clusters of these creatures upon the ground, and was led to watch their movements. I found these clusters to contain from 10 to 20 insects of the yellowish cast, and in their midst one of larger size, and of a brown colour, with the hinder part of the body penetrating the ground to a depth of over half an inch. I imagine this to be their mode of depositing their eggs. Having watched these in sects eagerly and rapidly devour a green thistle leaf and a portion of an ear of wheat lying upon the ground, I have been led to make those obser vations in the hope that some person more acquainted with the nature and habits of the insect may take up the subject, and say if we are likely to sustain damage from them, or to what class they belong, and in what form may we expect to find the fruit of the deposit now being made. Will it not argue the necessity for early burnim? of

ituDDie or otner precautions lor tne next year r Bush Fires and Luxuriant Grass. -A letter from Melrose disputes the correctness of our cor respondent's statements in warning against bush fires that they ' are very much to be dreaded this rear owing to the unusual length and luxuriance of the grass.' He deprecates the public being de ceived and squatters being buoyed up with hopes without any foundation, and says that during tbe last few weeks he has had occasion to visit many parts in the neighbourhood of Melrose, and he could not find the ' luxuriant grass' referred to. The grass in the hills he considers is certainly much better than on the plains, and even this ib not to be compared, residents say, with what they had last year. Instead of dreading bush fires, they have more reason, and do dread another drought. He adds that, having seen these things himself, and been informed by many of the managers and overseers in this neighbourhood that they will have to travel a great part of their stock owing to the scarcity of feed, he could not iniairine how ' Our own Correspondent,' unless he accidentally found himself in a crop of standing hay, furnished the report. The above is the complaint; but our own correspondent mentions that two fires had already occurred, attributable to the cause assigned, and he wntes with the praiseworthy intention of ad vising great caution. We have no d/ubt whatever that there are many places in tbe neighbourhood where feed is far from being 'luxuriant,' although it may be better than for some months past ; yet in places it is surely worthy of that term, and these spots, however circumscribed, are probably what our correspondent refers to. Great uneasiness is undoubtedly caused in many parts of the North by the absence of sufficient rain, and in some places of any, and those districts where there is gooJ feed are in an enviable position.